Welland launches interactive engagement tools for 2026 budget

The City of Welland is rolling out a suite of new, interactive tools designed to make municipal budgeting easier to understand and more engaging for residents. The initiatives, launched this week, aim to give the community a stronger voice in shaping priorities for the 2026 budget.

A highlight of this year’s engagement campaign is the “Fund It” budget allocation tool, an online feature that challenges residents to allocate a fictional $1 million across key City service areas such as roads, recreation, parks, and emergency services.

“We know that a municipal budget can be complicated, so we’re trying to simplify things in a way that allows the community to think about how they would prioritize spending,” said Marc MacDonald, chief communications and engagement officer, as per a press release. “The goal with this tool, along with the Bin There, Fund That initiative, is to give residents a simple, approachable way to engage and to share their priorities for the 2026 budget.”

In addition to Fund It, the City is inviting residents to complete the annual budget survey, a short questionnaire that collects feedback on priorities, trade-offs, and satisfaction with City services. Responses will help staff better understand community needs heading into the budget process.

Another new tool, Plot a Project, gives residents a chance to provide location-specific feedback by dropping digital pins on a city map. Residents can suggest amenities, identify improvements, and view ideas from others, creating a collaborative and transparent process.

While the money in the Fund It tool is symbolic, results from all three initiatives—Fund It, the Budget Survey, and Plot a Project—will offer valuable insight into community priorities and trade-offs.

The City is also extending its in-person outreach through Bin There, Fund That, held at the Welland Community Centre in partnership with Open Arms Mission. Residents are invited to “vote” with non-perishable food donations, placing items into bins labelled with various City service areas. The campaign not only highlights budget choices but also supports local families in need.

City officials note that all of these efforts are part of a broader push to make the budget process transparent, interactive, and resident-driven. Welland City Council will receive a full engagement summary at the end of the campaign, which will include participation trends and a breakdown of community priorities.

The 2026 budget process formally begins later this month when Mayor Frank Campion issues the official mayoral directive.

Residents can explore the tools and learn more at engagewelland.ca/budget-2026.